- as Ijesa-North APC ieaders declare support for AMBO
By John Dike, Osogbo
Amid swirling rumour of a possible defection by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading APC gubernatorial hopeful and Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has appealed for calm among party loyalists, assuring them that “there is no cause for alarm.”
He spoke on Saturday during his ongoing consultation tour, which took him to Obokun and Oriade Local Government Areas under the Ijesa-North Federal Constituency.
The visit turned into a strong show of political support, as APC leaders and members in the area declared their backing for Oyebamiji’s 2026 governorship ambition.
Speaking at the event, he allayed fears over the defection speculation, noting that the party’s leadership, including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is fully in control of the situation.
“Though our leader, the Honourable Minister, is coming personally to address the defection rumour, he sent me ahead to assure you all—there is no reason to panic. The APC is strong, united, and our leaders are fully in charge. No one will reap where they did not sow,” Oyebamiji stated.
He also addressed the lingering issue of local government administration in the state, reiterating that APC remains committed to defending the mandate of its elected council chairmen and councillors.
“Our Minister is working tirelessly to ensure justice prevails over the councils’ imbroglio. Our structure remains intact and will remain so until we return to government in 2026, by God’s grace,” he added.
Turning to his own aspirations, Oyebamiji called on party members in Ijesa-North to offer him their full support, highlighting his extensive track record in both state and federal governance.
“We are here to seek your unflinching support—not just for our party, but for my candidacy. Yes, we have many competent aspirants, but I believe I bring unique experience and proven results that Osun needs at this time.”
Tracing his 14-year career in public service, Oyebamiji recalled his tenures as Managing Director of the Osun State Investment Company Limited (OSICOL), Commissioner for Finance under Governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola, and currently, MD of NIWA.
“Under my leadership, OSICOL’s capital base rose from N360 million to nearly N10 billion in five years. We invested in real estate—36 units in Ikeja, 20 in Abuja—and built a mega oil retail station now managed by NNPC, generating substantial revenue for Osun State,” he noted.
“As Finance Commissioner, I helped end the half-salary era and oversaw full and timely payment of salaries and pensions. We also cleared N97 billion of inherited debt—despite lean federal allocations. I have served Osun with integrity, and I’m ready to do more.”
He further promised to address pressing infrastructural and healthcare challenges in Ijesa-North, assuring residents that his administration, if elected, would prioritize rural development.
Earlier, prominent party leaders in Obokun and Oriade reaffirmed their confidence in Oyebamiji’s capacity and credibility to lead Osun.
Hon. Tunji Adesokun, former APC State Secretary during the Chief Bisi Akande era, described Oyebamiji as “the head that the cap fits.”
“His record is unblemished. He managed our finances during some of Osun’s toughest times. With limited resources, he brought financial discipline and innovation. If he could perform under adversity, imagine what he can do now with increased state allocations,” Adesokun said.
